UN Calls for Quick Deployment of Troops in Mali

The UN Security Council has called for the “swift deployment” of an international force to Mali.

The call comes after Islamist militants said they had entered the key central town of Konna, advancing further into government-held territory.

The UN has approved plans to send some 3,000 African troops to Mali to recapture the desert north, which is controlled by the militants.

Mali’s president has asked the UN and France for help, diplomats say.

France would respond to the request on Friday, France’s ambassador to the UN Gerard Araud said.